Factors related to married or cohabiting women’s decision to use modern contraceptive methods in Mahikeng, South Africa

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Abstract

Background: Sexual and reproductive decision-making has emerged as an important health
indicator in family reproductive health issues. While there is evidence of male dominance in
sexual and reproductive health decisions, the role of socio-demographic factors on women’s
decision to use contraception is not well understood.
Aim: This study aimed at exploring the socio-demographic factors associated with married
women’s decision-making to use contraception.
Setting: The study was conducted in Mahikeng local municipality in the Modiri Molema
District Municipality.
Methods: Data were generated in Mahikeng from married and cohabiting women, aged
18–49 years, from a survey comprising 568 participants. Data were collected on women’s
demographic characteristics and contraceptive behaviour. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate
analyses were used to examine factors related to decision-making on contraceptive use.
Results: The result revealed that 57% of the participants were currently using contraception
and 45% stated jointly-made decision regarding the use of contraception. Decisions on use
of contraceptives were associated with education, occupation, religion, duration of union
and home language. Other factors associated with decision-making on contraceptive use
were perception on husband’s right to sex, use of force for sex and spousal communication
about sex.
Conclusion: Empowering women to use contraception to meet their fertility desire should
aim at improving their socio-economic status and spousal communication. Family planning
providers should recognise socio-cultural barriers under which the relationships exist and
how women can navigate these contextual factors